Proverbs 12:20

20 Deceit [is] in the heart of {those who plan} evil, but to {those who plan} peace, [there is] joy.

Proverbs 12:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 12:20

Deceit [is] in the heart of them that imagine evil
That secretly devise mischief in their hearts against their neighbours; that plough evil, as the word ^F7 signifies, and sow discord among men; and by many artful and deceitful methods promote contention and division, in order to answer some base designs of theirs; but sooner or later they are deceived themselves, are disappointed of their views, the consequence of which is vexation and sorrow; but to the counsellors of peace [is] joy:
such who consult the good of others, who advise to peace, concord, and unity; who seek to cultivate it in their families and neighbourhoods, and in the church of God, in which, if they succeed, they have joy and pleasure; if not, they have a satisfaction, in their own minds and consciences that they have done what is right and good; such have a conscience peace now, and an eternal one hereafter; or, as Aben Ezra calls it, the joy of salvation; see ( Matthew 5:9 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F7 (yvrx) .

Proverbs 12:20 In-Context

18 There is one who speaks rashly, like the thrust of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 A lip of truth endures forever, but a tongue of deception lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit [is] in the heart of {those who plan} evil, but to {those who plan} peace, [there is] joy.

21 {No evil will happen} to the righteous, but the wicked are filled [with] trouble.

22 An abomination of Yahweh are lips of deceit, but they who act faithfully [are] his delight.

Footnotes

• [a] Or "mind"
• [b] Literally "the planners of"
• [c] Literally "the planners of"